In a concerning trend, criminals in Montreal, Canada, are reportedly using Apple AirTags to track and steal vehicles, with the intention of selling them overseas. Vermont Police officers have issued a warning after two residents discovered AirTags attached to their cars following trips to Montreal.
One of the victims, Ethan Yang, found an AirTag attached to his car’s grille after returning from visiting family in Montreal. Using his phone, Yang was able to make the AirTag beep and locate the device, which had been discreetly placed in the front grille of his vehicle. According to Ryan McLiverty, a cyber analyst at the Vermont Intelligence Center, there has been a recent increase in incidents where criminals in Montreal are using AirTags for car theft.
This alarming trend has raised concerns about the potential use of AirTags for other illegal activities, such as tagging vehicles for drug trafficking across the border. While the use of AirTags for tracking is not new, the surge in occurrences has prompted authorities to issue warnings and advise caution to the public.
To protect themselves from potential tracking with AirTags, individuals are advised to utilize the built-in safety features of the device. The AirTag sends an alert if it gets too far from its owner’s iPhone, and Android phones can also detect unknown Bluetooth trackers like AirTags. Additionally, Apple has developed a Tracker Detect app to help users locate any unauthorized AirTags in their vicinity.
As the use of AirTags for criminal activities continues to pose a threat, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings and privacy.
